Staff Reports
SANTA FE — Syphilis rates in New Mexico fell 18.6% and congenital syphilis rates dropped 32.4% from 2024 to 2025, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced this week as the state marks STI Awareness Week.
Congenital syphilis — a serious and preventable condition in which syphilis is transmitted from mother to newborn — has been a persistent public health challenge nationally. New Mexico’s nearly one-third reduction in one year marks significant progress. Chlamydia rates dropped 5.1% and gonorrhea rates dropped 6.1% over the same period. These encouraging declines speak to how sustained, targeted interventions can make a difference.
NMDOH attributes the declines to expanded community outreach, increasing testing and treatment, promoting the use of Doxy PEP—a medication taken after unprotected sex to reduce STI risk (post-exposure prevention medication) — and partnerships with community, medical and Tribal organizations.
“STIs don’t always cause symptoms which is why getting an STI test is important if you are sexually active,” Janine Waters, STD Program Manager for NMDOH, said. “All STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable. New Mexicans can contact their local public health office for free testing and treatment.”
How to prevent STIs:
Use condoms the right way every time you have sex. Use a new condom, consistently and correctly, for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act.
Get vaccinated – hepatitis B and HPV can be prevented with a vaccine.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Doxy PEP, a medicine taken after unprotected sex to reduce your chance of getting an STI.
Have an honest talk with your healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for STIs and HIV.
PrEP – Medicine taken before you might be exposed to HIV through sex or a needle sharing partner. Contact your local public health office for no-cost medication.
